The Sun ran a piece covering Martin Lewis’ opinions on refunds for caravan owners, written by Helen Knapman on 20th May. Against a backdrop of conflicting media reports and legal advice on pitch fees, we wrote to our 20,000 holiday home owners on 9th June 2020 to outline the details of an industry-leading support package that was launched as a response to the COVID-19 national lockdown, which meant holiday home owners couldn’t access their properties.
The package launched was put together to provide support to holiday home owners over the next 18 months and is a one off goodwill commitment.
It has five elements:
- Zero pitch fee increase for 2021: pitch fees will be frozen in 2021.
- Year extension of tenure: 2020 has in many respects been a lost year, so we will be offering you an additional 12 months ownership by inviting you to extend your tenure end date.
- 50% credit of pitch fees for period of closure: All owners who have paid 2020 pitch fee in full or via our direct debit scheme will be entitled to a credit towards their 2021 pitch fee equal to 50% of their 2020 pitch fee for the time we have been closed from 23rd March 2020, up to and including 3th July 2020. This credit relates solely to the pitch fee only and will be taken off your 2021 pitch fee. It does not relate to any other charges such as utilities.
- Increased discount for on-park spend to 30% for 2020 and 2021: as previously communicated, when parks open you will also be able to enjoy an increased discount of 30% on all food, drink and payable activities until the end of 2021 with your owner’s card. This offer will be immediate as you arrive back on park.
- Three month payment holiday; as previously communicated, owners who are experiencing difficulties can apply for a three month payment holiday. We’re pleased that to-date we have supported nearly 400 owners with this scheme.
A Parkdean Resorts spokesperson said:
“We have a close relationship with our owners, many of whom have had a holiday home with us for decades. We have been busy behind the scenes to ensure our owners are able to enjoy as much of their summer holiday at our parks as possible and, in addition, we are pleased to be able to offer owners a significant package of carefully considered support. Our parks teams are working hard to make sure the parks are looking great and are excited to welcome owners back as soon as the Government decides it is safe to do so.”
